Anyone using LEDs?

[Cichlid-Man]

I'm back, and coming back big (not big as in tank size). Anyone using LEDs? Thinking about DIYing an array for my new setup. They have their benefits no question about that, but its a relatively unproven method. Until I see something terribly wrong with them i'm probably going this route. Getting my own place, these are going to significantly save me money in the end as compared to halides, yet I can drive them just as hard as halides.

Anyway, I can't tell you much about my project just yet, nothing is set in stone....but its on the horizon. Just wondering if anyone else used LEDs and how do you like them?

 

[TRe]

im not using nor have i ever used LEDS but im stoked your thinking about a new build!

 

[Cichlid-Man]

I plan to call it Poor Man's Elos....if you catch my drift.

 

[brian1973]

C-man...welcome back..sorry but I have no input in this thread but had to say welocme home and thank you for your service.

 

[Lotus]

I've seen some nice setups at shows, but never used them.

We were seriously considering an LED fixture, but went with T5. That's when the Solaris were on the market. I had a lot of concerns about spending $4,000 on something that may not have the longevity. In the end, the whole company shut down.

The newer units from Asia seem nice, and the ones I saw at the show really did look good. Colors were great, and there are shimmer lines. I still have concerns about how long they'll last (more on the wiring and circuitry than anything else). Sealed units you can't fix tend to bother me.

We have some of those Current USA moonlight LEDs, and they really are awesome. Nice shimmer lines, great color.

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Thanks everyone.

Lotus, if I end up using LEDs i'll be a making a DIY fixture and setting up the array myself. Starting with the LEDs, heat sinks, soldering, wiring, drivers, everything. I've been reading extensively on them lately and once you break into it its really not difficult at all. And this is from someone with no electrical background at all (maybe i'm doomed ) Still has decently high starting costs (no where near the real nice fixed units) but I figure can pay off in the end. And you can always add more diodes to the setup without having to buy a whole new fixture. Not to mention the ability to have a dimmer on the lights so you can adjust how strong they run.

Its really advancing, I can see LEDs leading the reef lighting industry within 5-10 years.

I guess I can share a little info with everyone here...my initial thoughts/plans are to use a rimless "almost" cube tank. In the 30ish gallon range. We'll see what happens, as I am still shopping around at custom tank companies getting price quotes. Stand will be very minimal and Elos-like. Straight from the floor to the tank covered in a high gloss white. Not totally to scale or finished but...just a taste...

 

[Lotus]

Looks like a nice design, Matt.

Good luck with the wiring. I'm sure it will be an interesting project.

We have our little Neo Nano up and running, and it's not a bad setup. The hanging light does make it all seem pretty sleek, which is nice. The shallow, wider tank we have is really great for working with corals and moving them around. I doubt it would work so well for a lot of the SPS, though.

 

[TRe]

looks like a good idea! btw if your looking for cheap lighting i just got my 24" 4 bulb T5 fixture for like $100 brand new shipped

 

[Fishmonger70]

TRe, what kind(brand) of fixture is it and where did you get it from?

 

[TRe]

its made from sunlight supply and the model is called "Sun Blaze" i got it from i think premiumaquatics

 

[Cichlid-Man]

TRe, what kind(brand) of fixture is it and where did you get it from?

Yes this. I'd like to know but will probably still try the LEDs.

 

[big54bob]

I heard that LEDs can be better then t-5s but still not shure. Just get a bad ass Metal Halide.

 

[Lorna]

there seems to be some really good LED fixtures and info coming out of the UK these days.

 

[TRe]

FWIW everyone i know who has had LED's over the past few year is now back to either MH or T5

 

[Cichlid-Man]

Really? Why was that? I know it doesn't make colors really pop as much as MH or T5s, but if you get the right combo you should be able to keep whatever you want.

I do like T5, and i currently use MH, so I'm very impartial to all...just exploring new options. If I had to pick between T5 and MH though i'd 100% go T5.

 

[TRe]

i considered going T5 and i may still do that if i find i need a chiller on the new tank... ill make the switch before i shell out the cash for a chiller ... everything ive heard as far as the led's go (and im talking about solaris when i say led) there good for lps but if you want a hardcore SPS tank they just dont cut it....

 

[Fishmonger70]

TRe, What kind of T5 fixture did you get and where did you get it?

 

[TRe]

the company that makes it is sunlight supply, the model is the 24" 4 bulb "sunblaze", i got it from premiumaquatics.com